There is a common saying that age is gold, referring to the importance and significance of age in life. Ageing is associated with an increase in knowledge, and wisdom. It is also associated with happiness and the fulfilment of one’s life purposes. However, to people who are critical of their looks and appearance, ageing is not so golden. Ageing brings about changes to our bodies, that affect how beautiful or handsome we look. Signs of ageing include loose and saggy skin, wrinkles, and lines on the skin among others. However, as irreversible as ageing is, the good news is that the signs of ageing can be imroved, and made to have fewer effects. At Avané clinic, we help enhance your look and regain your skin’s healthy and pleasing condition. We use several skin rejuvenation treatments, such as thread lifting to help you rehabilitate your skin.
What is thread lifting?
Thread lifting is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, that is used to lift the skin. The procedure uses temporary sutures to give patients a subtle but visible skin lift. Thread lifting has gained popularity among dermatologists, and is often used as a replacement for surgical face rejuvenation procedures, such as facelifts. Surgical procedures involve incisions and the removal of skin tissues to achieve a lift. However, with the introduction of thread lifting, such procedures are now a thing of the past. Thread lifts are minimally invasive, and do not involve incisions. Moreover, they also provide better effects and are cheaper.
How does ageing affect the skin?
As one ages, the skin tends to have some changes. Your skin loses its strength and elasticity over time. The connective tissues in the underlying layers of the skin also become weaker. This leads to sagging and loss of skin tightness. It also causes wrinkles and the skin is more vulnerable to the development of fine lines than ever before. Furthermore, your cartilage also gets weaker and doesn’t hold the skin around it up as well. You may notice drooping and looser skin on your face as the skin and cartilage in your face change. In addition to this, the effects of gravity play a part in pulling down the skin. Furthermore, the skin is held together by connective tissues called collagen and elastin. As we age, the body process fewer amounts of collagen and elastin, hence the increased weakness and laxity of the skin.
What is used for thread lifting?
Thread lifting involves the use of temporary sutures to lift the skin. The dermatologist uses surgical sutures that are made of absorbable material. These materials include poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polydioxanone (PDO), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). PDOs are the most commonly used sutures. At Avane clinic, also use PDO threads. These sutures have either cone anchors or mini barbs that hold the skin’s layers, causing a more youthful appearance. The sutures or barbs are inserted in the skin through minute injections. Once inserted in the body, they are absorbed by the body within a few months.
How does thread lifting work?
Thread lifting work in two ways. The first way is that the sutures help pull the skin slightly back, causing a tightening and lifting effect. The dermatologist or plastic surgeon performing the operation uses the temporary and tiny thread to suspend portions of the skin. this creates the pullback and tightening effect. Invisible, painless “barbs” grab onto your skin and make sure that the thread grips your underlying tissue and muscles as the thread is pulled tight. Furthermore, thread lifting also helps stimulate collagen formation. The threads are absorbable in the body, hence after a few months, they will be aborbed into the body tissue. This stimulates collagen fibres to form and take their place in holding the skin layers together. They also trigger collagen formation, since the injection used to place the threads triggers the body’s healing process. This leads to increased production of collagen fibres to treat punctured skin.
Who is a good candidate for thread lifting?
Thread lifting can be useful for anyone who has noticed signs of ageing, and would like to reverse the effects. This is common for people between the ages of 30 years to 50 years. However, thread lifting can be done on anyone, even teenagers. Simply put, anyone who qualifies for a face-lifting procedure, is a viable candidate for thread lifting. It is however crucial for one to consult with their dermatologist to discuss the procedure in-depth and establish its impact on them.
Where is thread lifting used to treat?
Thread lifting is mostly used for facial rejuvenation. It helps lift the skin around your forehead, cheeks, jawline, brow line, under the eyes and forehead. It can also be used on the neck effectively. Furthermore, thread lifting can also be used to tighten breasts, especially after pregnancy and weight loss.
The procedure.
The procedure is done in the doctor’s office. It’s a short procedure, that takes about 1 hour. It does not have any form of sedation. You will be awake and able to talk to your doctor during the procedure. They may offer you the chance to look at what they are doing so you can tell them if you want adjustments. First, your doctor will numb your skin with local anaesthesia. Afterwards, they’ll slide small hollow needles called cannulas under your skin where they plan to set the threads. Your doctor will use the cannulas to guide the threads into place. They will decide how many threads you need based on how large the treatment area on your face is. Once the cannulas are in place, the doctor takes them out the cannulas. You may have some irritation but you won’t have any scarring.
What are the possible side effects?
Just like any medical procedure, thread lifting has some minor side effects. These include swelling, redness, bruising, scarring, irritation, and stiffness in areas treated. There might be possible infections and changes in skin texture in the treated areas. With thread lifting, there is a 15%-20% likelihood of complications happening after a treatment. These include allergic reactions to components of the threads and dimpling or pulling where threads are inserted. Furthermore, bleeding due to pressure accumulation behind the skin and bulging due to the movement of threads is also possible. We recommend that you contact us in case you notice a discharge from the treated site, swelling for more than 48 hours, fever or a persistent headache.
What are the advantages of thread lifting?
Thread lifting is a non-invasive procedure, that does not require sedation. This eliminates the occurrence of side effects such as drowsiness. It has zero downtime and minimal recovery time. This allows a patient to resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. Thread lifting stimulates collagen formation, which helps make the skin look younger and more hydrated. Unlike surgical facelifting, thread lifting has fewer risks and minimal side effects. It does not cause scarring or infections, unlike in surgical procedures. Moreover, it is also more affordable, simpler and safer. Thread lifting offers durable results and can last for up to 4 years. The threads are organic; hence they are absorbed into the body, reducing the chances of the body rejecting them, and causing the treatment to fail.
To cap it all…
Thread lifting is a very effective procedure, used to offer skin rejuvenation and offer solace for people who want to do away with signs of ageing. Skin laxity and sagginess can make one appear unhealthy or extremely old. Furthermore, they may lower one’s self-esteem or confidence. Ageing is natural, and so are the signs of ageing. However, at Avané clinic, we can help you manage the effects of these signs, through thread lifting. Through thread lifting, we can offer tighter, younger and healthier-looking skin. The skin also appears moisturized and fuller in volume. You will be amazed at just how a single treatment procedure can change your appearance, for the good. Visit us at the Yaya centre in Nairobi, and let us give you that youthful and bright look you desire. Moreover, you can contact us to book an appointment or enquire about thread lifting or other services we have at Avané clinic.
